Monaco head into matchday six sitting top of Ligue 1 when they host a struggling Lorient side on Saturday.
Match News and Current Form
Lorient find themselves in the relegation zone after just one win in their opening five games of the season (D1, L3). The opportunity to double that tally of victories presented itself last Sunday when they led Le Havre 1-0 at half-time, but ultimately, could only draw 1-1, leaving Les Merlus with only two wins from their previous 15 top-flight matches (D2, L11). Olivier Pantaloni’s side are now looking to consign a 7-1 thrashing in their most recent home game against Lille to the past, as they bid to avoid back-to-back losses at the Stade du Moustoir for the first time since April 2024.
Monaco are conversely on cloud nine and possess the joint-most potent attack in Ligue 1 so far this term with 13 goals after matchday five - a figure heavily bolstered by a 5-2 win over Metz on matchday five. Something that may give Lorient hope though is the fact that Adi Hütter’s men have lost three of their last four away games in all competitions (W1), conceding four goals at Lens in May and in their UEFA Champions League opener at Club Brugge last Thursday. Indeed, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their previous seven encounters irrespective of venue - a key area needed for improvement if they are to mount a title challenge.
Head-to-Head History
Five of the last seven H2Hs have been draws, with Lorient and Monaco claiming one victory each in that run. The hosts have only claimed one win in the previous 12 meetings against Les Monégasques in all competitions (D6, L5).
Win ProbabilityOpta by StatsPerform
Hot Stats and Streaks
Twelve of Lorient’s last 15 goals conceded have come after half-time.
Lorient’s last seven home matches have each featured at least four goals.
Monaco have scored at least once after half-time in five of their last six games.
Six of Monaco’s last seven matches have featured at least three goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Lorient’s Dermane Karim has registered an assist or been booked in his last three games for club or country, while he has been on the losing side just once in his five career scoring appearances at club level (W3, D1). Ansu Fati is surely knocking on the door for his first Monaco start having found the net three times in two matches - his first goals since November 2023!
Darlin Yongwa serves the final game of his suspension for a red card received for Lorient against Marseille, while Monaco teenager Aladji Bamba is a doubt for this fixture after coming off in the first half against Metz with a hamstring problem.
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